Scoring tool

ABSTRACT

A tool for scoring concrete strips which are to be used as traffic lane dividers. The tool comprises two groups of teeth which are set in oppositely facing relation so that they cut oppositely facing reflective surfaces into the surface of the concrete. This enables the divider formed thereby to reflect the headlights of oncoming cars in both directions. Additionally the pattern of the teeth offer a distinctive sound pattern when the vehicle tires pass over them.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Salvatore Polselli 20 Chiara Drive, Harrisburg, Pa. 17112 [21] Appl. No. 27,586 {22] Filed Apr. 13, 1970 [45] Patented July 27, 1971 [54] SCORING TOOL 10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 94/45 [51] lnt.Cl E01: 23/16 [50] FleldotSearch 94/1.5,22, 45

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 775,110 11/1904 Jumper 94/45 Arey 94/1 .5 Arey.... 94/l.5 Bingham 94/1.5 X Summers.... 94/l.5 Perkins 94/45 Primary Examiner-Jacob L. Nackenoff Attorney-Seidel, Gonda & Goldhammer ABSTRACT: A tool for scoring concrete strips which are to be used as traffic lane dividers. The tool comprises two groups of teeth which are set in oppositely facing relationso that they cut oppositely facing reflective surfaces into the surface of the concrete. This enables the divider formed thereby to reflect the headlights of oncoming cars in both directions. Additionally the pattern of the teeth offer a distinctive sound pattern when the vehicle tires pass over them.

PATENT ED JUL27 I97! SHEET 2 BF 2 SA LVATO R E Armm/w? SCORING TOOL This invention relates to a scoring tool and more particularly to a scoring tool which is useful for scoring concrete traffic lane dividers.

.On high speed roads such as tumpikes and the like, concretedividers are used to separate adjacent lanes of trafiic. Thesedividers are prepared with ripples or'sawtoothlike undulations in their topsurfaces so that at night they will reflect the lights of oncoming vehicles. Thisis so the driver of the vehicle will beable to see the divider.

Since the divider is comprised of poured concrete, the scoring is usually done while the concreteis wet. Itis achieved by means of a tool having a head with a plurality of sawtoothlike undulations therein whichjis 'drawn acrossthe divider in a direction generally'transverselyof the flow of traffic. However, ithas beenfound that it is 'best to draw the tool so that the undulations formedin the concrete are angled slightly in a directionof the flowof traffic so that light reflecting off the surfaces will be reflected directly'back into the lane of oncoming 'traffic rather than being bounced into theadjacent lane. Additionally, the undulations formed in the divider tend to alertthe driver when he'is about to cross the medial barrier since a distinctive sound pattern is heard when the vehicle tires strike the concrete.

These divider strips are formed by drawing the tool transversely across the medial strip. Because of prior art tool constructions, in order to obtain amedial strip that would reflect in two' different directions-for lanesof opposing traffic, it would be necessaryto pour the strip in ZO-footsections, one such section designed to reflect light to one lane of traffic and the next section designed to reflect light to theopposite lane of traffic. To construct-the first section, the operator would draw his tool across thesection to form a, set of undulations capable of reflection in one direction. He would then move to the opposite side of the concrete strip, advancing to the far end of the 20-foot section and would repeat the process for the second 20-foot sectiom working from the far end of the second section back towards the already completed first section. In this way, after repeating the construction of 20-foot alternating sections the desired pattern wouldbe achieved on the medial strip. The resulting effect would be alternating 20- foot sections of surfaces, one for trafiic going in a first direction and the other for traffic going in a second direction. Naturally, the process described above is longand con: sequently costly since the operator rather than being able to draw his tool across the concrete strip from a single position is required to'movehis equipment to the other side of the medial strip in alternating 20-foot sections.

Accordingly, it is in an objectof this invention to provide a scoring tool for preparing concrete divider strips.

It is a-further object of this invention to provide a scoring tool that substantially reduces the time and cost involved in preparing concrete divider strips.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a scoring tool which provides a concrete divider strip with oppositely facing reflecting surfaces.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a scoring tool which provides a concrete traffic divider with a plurality of undulations that make a distinctive sound when run over by automobile tires.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a detailed description thereof which follows herein.

Generally the invention relates to a tool for scoring concrete to provide oppositely facing reflective surfaces ahd a sound pattern'when run over by vehicle tires. The tool cornprises a tool head with a plurality of concrete scoring teeth mounted thereon in longitudinal spaced relation to each other. The teeth comprise first and second groups. Each of the teeth in each group is defined by a riser surface and a drop surface. The surfaces are angularly disposed with respect to the tool head and converge toward each other with the drop sur- 2 faces being substantially vertical. The first and second groups of teeth are mutually facing so that the drop surfaces form oppositely facing reflective surfaces in the concrete.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. I

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a concrete scoring tool constructed in accordance with the preferred form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a concrete divider which has been prepared with the tool illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional-view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom view of the right-hand end of the tool shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawing for a detailed description of the invention, a scoring tool 10 constructed -in accordance with the preferred form thereof is illustrated. The tool is see to comprise a toolhead l2 and a handle 14. The scoring is achieved in part bya first set of teeth 20, 22 and 24 which are downwardly directed and depend from the toolhead 12. A second set of teeth 34, 36 and 38 are also downwardly depending and connect from the toolhead. It should be noted that the first and second sets of teeth are mutually facing and disposed on opposite sides of a'mutually facing tooth 40.

Additionally, it should be noted that the'first and second sets of teeth are disposed in longitudinal array on the toolhead 12 and that disposed adjacent the second set of teeth are two overlapping teeth 42 and). The functionof the overlapping teeth is to present a surface in the'concrete which is similar to the which is achieved bythe first set of teeth so that a repeating pattern in the concrete can be achieved.

Considering now the flrst'set of teeth 20, 22 and 24 they are seen to be comprised of a plurality of riser surfaces 50, 52 and 54 which are setan angle with respect to the horizontal and which form one side of each of the teeth. The opposite sides of each of the teeth in the first set arecomprised of drop surfaces 61, 62 and 63. The drop surfaces are set at an angle which deviates slightly from the vertical. The crest of each of the teeth is defined by flat areas 57, 58 and 59. which are disposed at the juncture of the aforementioned riser surfaces and drop surfaces that define each of the teeth. Area 57 may preferably be about four times as wide as areas 58 and 59. a

Additionally, each of the teeth in the first set are separated from adjacent teeth by relatively large flat areas 65, 66 and 67 which are disposed in a generally horizontal plane which is parallel to the plane in which the smaller flat areas discussed above are disposed. It should be noted that the large flat areas lie in the region that is defined by the drop surface of one tooth and the riser surface of the next adjacent tooth. Flat area 67 is trapezoidal in shape with its small base 68 being opposite the handle.

Referring now to the particular arrangement of the second set of teeth 34, 36 and 38. it is seen that they also comprise riser surfaces 75, 76 and 77 which are angularly disposed with respect to the horizontal and are oppositely facing to the aforementioned riser surfaces comprising the first set of teeth. Additionally, these teeth also include drop surfaces 88, and 91 which are disposed also at an angle which is slightly offset from the vertical. Additionally, small flat areas 80, 82 and 84 which may be the same size as fiat areas 58 and 59 are positioned at the crest of each tooth. These flat areas are located at the juncture of the aforementioned riser and drop surfaces. Generally, each of the flat surfaces is of rectangular configuration as illustrated. However, the flat surface 84 which is on that tooth adjacent the overlapping teeth is preferably of triangular configuration. This arrangement facilitates the scoring of the repeating pattern. v

Additionally, in a manner similar to the first set of teeth, each of the teeth in the second set is separated from the adjacent teeth by a relatively large flat substantially horizontal area 92, 9 3 and 94. Each of these areas isbounded on one side by the drop surface of the tooth and on the other side by the riser surface of the next adjacent tooth. Flat area 92 is trapizoidal in shape with its small base 95 being opposite the handle.

Referring now to the mutually facing tooth 40, it is seen to comprise opposed rectangularly shaped riser surfaces 104 and 106 which are oppositely directed and disposed at angles which are substantially the same as those angles of the riser surfaces in the teeth of the first and second sets. if preferred, a generally triangular shaped small flat area 110 having a base 111 opposite the handle may be formed at the juncture of the opposed rectangularly shaped riser surfaces 104 and 106.

It should be noted that the last-named tooth is disposed intermediate the first and second groups of teeth and that drop surfaces of each of the teeth in those sets face tooth 40.

One of the tooth 42 that comprises the overlap pattern comprises a drop surface 116 and a riser surface 117. The drop and riser surfaces are set at angles which are substantially the same as the drop and riser surfaces in the first set of teeth. Additionally, if desired, the crest of the tooth can be characterized by a flat area 120 of the same size as area 57. Additionally, it should be noted that the riser surface 77 is separated from n'ser surface 117 by a relatively large flat trapezoidally shaped area 96. Area 96 includes bases 98 and 99 with base 98 being the smaller.

The second tooth 44 that defines the repeating pattern also includes a riser surface 130 which is separated from drop surface 116 on the preceding tooth by a flat area 126. That riser surface 130 is set at an angle which is substantially the same as the risers on the preceding teeth. Additionally, the crest of tooth 44 may have a substantially flat horizontal surface 131.

It should be noted that the front and rear surfaces of the tool are substantially parallel to each other and extend vertically from the top surface.

Additionally, it should be noted that for the purposes of constructing a concrete divider with the tool, the lines defining each of the surfaces are set at angles so that they tend to converge on the common tooth. This effect results in having each of the teeth in the first set 20, 22 and 24 being rotated slightly clockwise as illustrated in FIG. 1 and each of the teeth in the second set 34, 36 and 38 being rotated slightly counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The angular relation of the various surfaces comprising the teeth has been found to be important since it is the angular relations that result in having scored concrete surface present visible reflective surfaces with a distinctive sound pattern.

In this regard, it is to be preferred that the riser surfaces be disposed at an angle which falls in the range of about 13 to 25 from the horizontal. Preferably, the optimum angle should be either or Additionally, the angle at which the drop surfaces are disposed from the vertical is preferably between about 3 to 6, with each of the adjacent surfaces being set at slightly different angles.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a concrete divider 133 constructed by means of the scoring tool described above is illustrated. It is seen that the pattern formed in the divider is achieved by drawing the tool across the concrete so that a nesting relationship is achieved. The tool forms a plurality of surfaces in the concrete which are arranged similarly to those surfaces on the tool. For the purposes of simplification, each surface formed in the concrete is identified by the same number as the forming surface on the tool followed by a prime. For example, the two surfaces 104 and 106 which define the mutually facing tooth 40 on the tool form surfaces 104 and 106' on the divider. Similarly, drop surfaces 61, 62, 63, 75, 76 and 77 on the teeth in each of the groups on the tool form reflector surfaces 61', 62, 63, 75, 76 and 77 on the divider.

Referring to FIG. 4, it will be noted that the end face 19 is at an 810 angle with respect to side face 21 of the head 12. The rectangular areas of the riser surfaces 50, 52, 54 and 106 are defined by transverse lines parallel to end face 19 and hence at an acute angle with respect to the side face 21. End face 45 is substantially parallel to end face 19. The rectangular areas of riser surfaces 75, 76, 77 and 104 are likewise defined by transverse lines parallel to end face 45. This orientation provides the angular relation of the sets of teeth referred to above.

The head 12 is provided with an attaching means centrally disposed thereon to facilitate coupling of the handle 14 thereto. Such means may comprise threaded holes in the head 12. The head 12 may also be provided with similar attaching means adjacent each end so that it may be pulled by a pair of handles connected to its ends instead of by a central handle as illustrated at 14 in FIG. 1. lt will be clear that the tool 10 may be pulled mechanically by a vehicle or may be pulled manually. While the tool 10 may be made in various lengths, it has been found that a tool length of 25 inches (distance between end faces 19 and 45) to be satisfactory.

When the tool is utilized for scoring, it is position across the divider so that with one transverse movement of the tool, the entire divider from side to side, over the length of the tool head is scored. It should be noted, with respect to FIG. 2, that the pattern formed in the divider is rotated from a transverse position with respect to the flow of traffic slightly in the direction thereof. Preferably, it should make an angle of about 84 with respect to the flow of traffic.

The reason for this is so that beams of light reflected off the various reflector surfaces will bounce back in the path of the vehicle from which they emanate.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, two vehicles, each characterized by a fender and headlight 135 and 137 are shown in opposite lanes of traffic proceeding in the directions indicated by the arrows. Vehicle 135 is emanating a beam of light 139 which reflects off the surfaces 61, 62', and 63. This beam of light is permitted to strike these surfaces by virtue of the fact that riser surfaces 50', 52' and 54', are set at the angles mentioned above. This permits the beam of light to have access to the entire reflector surface and then bounce back.

Similarly, with respect to a vehicle 137 traveling in the opposite direction, its beam of light 141 is reflected off surfaces 88', and 91'. Again, the beam of light is permitted access to the entire reflective area by virtue of the angle of the riser surfaces 75, 76', and 77.

The preparation of the next section of concrete is achieved merely by shifting the tool downwardly so that the first set of teeth are aligned with those grooves formed by the overlapping teeth and then the tool is drawn across the barrier in a manner similar to that described above.

Thus, it should be apparent from the description above that a tool has been disclosed which facilitates the rapid and relatively easy formation of scoring grooves in concrete barriers that permit reflection of oncoming headlights from oppositely moving vehicles.

Additionally, a distinctive sound pattern is achieved by virtue of the groove arrangement which alerts the driver of the vehicles to the fact that he is about to cross the medial barrier or is driving on it.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A tool for scoring concrete to provide oppositely facing reflective surfaces and a sound pattern when ridden over by vehicle tires comprising a toolhead, a plurality of concrete scoring teeth mounted on said toolhead in longitudinal, spaced relation to each other, said teeth comprising and second groups, each of said teeth in said groups being defined by a riser surface and a drop surface, said surfaces being angularly disposed with respect to said toolhead and converging toward each other with said drop surfaces being substantially vertical, and said first and second groups of teeth are mutually facing so that said drop surfaces will form oppositely facing reflective surfaces in the concrete.

2. A tool as defined in claim 1 wherein said riser surfaces and said drop surfaces of adjacent teeth in each of said groups are spaced from each other by a first substantially flat horizontal surface.

3. A tool as defined in claim 2 wherein said first group of teeth are on one portion of said toolhead and said second group of teeth are at another portion of said toolhead, and a common tooth defined by oppositely directed riser surfaces is mounted on said toolhead, said common tooth being disposed intermediate said drop surfaces of adjacent facing teeth in eachof said groups and being spaced therefrom by opposed substantially flat horizontal surfaces.

4. A tool as defined in claim 3 including a third group of teeth mounted on said toolhead in longitudinal spaced relation to said first and second groups of teeth, said first, second and third groups of teeth being disposed on said head in linear array so that said first and third groups are remote from each other and said second group is disposed therebetween, and said teeth comprising said third group include riser and drop surfaces having the same orientation as those same surfaces in said first group so that a portion of said toolhead forms a pattern repeating said first group.

5. A tool as defined in claim 3 wherein the crest of each of said teeth is comprised of a second substantially flat horizontal surface, and the distance between said first and second surfaces is substantially the same as the distance between the juncture of the first surface and the riser of one of said teeth and the juncture of the same surface and the drop surface of the next tooth.

6. A tool as defined in claim 3 wherein said drop surfaces and said first flat surfaces define obtuse angles with said drop surfaces being disposed at an angle in the range of 3-6 from the vertical, and said riser surfaces are disposed at an angle that is in the range of between l3--25 from said horizontal surfaces.

7. A tool as defined in claim 3 wherein said toolhead includes a front surface and a rear surface with said riser and drop surfaces extending between said front and rear surfaces, and said riser and drop surfaces extend from said front surface to said rear surface and converge toward said common tooth at said rear surface.

8. A tool as defined in claim 5 wherein only some of said second substantially flat horizontal surfaces extend from said front surface to said rear surface.

9. A tool for scoring freshly poured surfaces comprising an elongated head, said head having a plurality of sets of depending teeth, the teeth of adjacent sets having rectangular surfaces converging downwardly toward each other at an angle of 13 to 25 with the horizontal, said rectangular areas being defined by transverse boundaries disposed at an acute angle with respect to the side faces of the head, said head having flat areas between adjacent teeth, and means on the head to facilitate connecting thereto a device for pulling the head.

10. A tool in accordance with claim 9 wherein said teeth are defined by converging surfaces connected to a flat area forming a crest, said crest flat areas being smaller in width as compared to said first-mentioned flat areas. 

1. A tool for scoring concrete to provide oppositely facing reflective surfaces and a sound pattern when ridden over by vehicle tires comprising a toolhead, a plurality of concrete scoring teeth mounted on said toolhead in longitudinal, spaced relation to each other, said teeth comprising and second groups, each of said teeth in said groups being defined by a riser surface and a drop surface, said surfaces being angularly disposed with respect to said toolhead and converging toward each other with said drop surfaces being substantially vertical, and said first and second groups of teeth are mutually facing so that said drop surfaces will form oppositely facing reflective surfaces in the concrete.
 2. A tool as defined in claim 1 wherein said riser surfaces and said drop surfaces of adjacent teeth in each of said groups are spaced from each other by a first substantially flat horizontal surface.
 3. A tool as defined in claim 2 wherein said first group of teeth are on one portion of said toolhead and said second group of teeth are at another portion of said toolhead, and a common tooth defined by oppositely directed riser surfaces is mounted on said toolhead, said common tooth being disposed intermediate said drop surfaces of adjacent facing teeth in each of said groups and being spaced therefrom by opposed substantially flat horizontal surfaces.
 4. A tool as defined in claim 3 including a third group of teeth mounted on said toolhead in longitudinal spaced relation to said first and second groups of teeth, said first, second and third groups of teeth being disposed on said head in linear array so that said first and third groups are remote from each other and said second group is disposed therebetween, and said teeth comprising said third group include riser and drop surfaces having the same orientation as those same surfaces in said first group so that a portion of said toolhead forms a pattern repeating said first group.
 5. A tool as defined in claim 3 wherein the crest of each of said teeth is comprised of a second substantially flat horizontal surface, and the distance between said first and second surfaces is substantially the same as the distance between the juncture of the first surface and the riser of one of said teeth and the juncture of the same surface and the drop surface of the next tooth.
 6. A tool as defined in claim 3 wherein said drop surfaces and said first flat surfaces define obtuse angles with said drop surfaces being disposed at an angle in the range of 3*-6* from the vertical, and said riser surfaces are disposed at an angle that is in the range oF between 13*-25* from said horizontal surfaces.
 7. A tool as defined in claim 3 wherein said toolhead includes a front surface and a rear surface with said riser and drop surfaces extending between said front and rear surfaces, and said riser and drop surfaces extend from said front surface to said rear surface and converge toward said common tooth at said rear surface.
 8. A tool as defined in claim 5 wherein only some of said second substantially flat horizontal surfaces extend from said front surface to said rear surface.
 9. A tool for scoring freshly poured surfaces comprising an elongated head, said head having a plurality of sets of depending teeth, the teeth of adjacent sets having rectangular surfaces converging downwardly toward each other at an angle of 13* to 25* with the horizontal, said rectangular areas being defined by transverse boundaries disposed at an acute angle with respect to the side faces of the head, said head having flat areas between adjacent teeth, and means on the head to facilitate connecting thereto a device for pulling the head.
 10. A tool in accordance with claim 9 wherein said teeth are defined by converging surfaces connected to a flat area forming a crest, said crest flat areas being smaller in width as compared to said first-mentioned flat areas. 